1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career services walk-in advising: not available in the GLC for rest of Spring 2011; please visit the Career Services Center on weekdays 12:00-3:00pm
- Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from G)
- Writing support/consultations: Thursdays, 1:00-6:00pm, Video Conference Room (don’t wait until your paper is due, get assistance now!)
2. AAUW: "POWERFUL PRESENCE" BROWNBAG LUNCH: MARKETING THE BRAND “YOU”
Monday, Mar 14, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Join AAUW Blacksburg-VT for the March lunch! Marketing “you” as a brand is not just about finding a new job. Melissa Richards, director of marketing and publications at VT, will discuss traditional brand marketing concepts in the context of how you represent yourself professionally. Through dialogue and interactive exercises, explore: how perception is brand; how a job title does not define you; establishing your brand promise using online media such as LinkedIn and Twitter; networking and traditional tactics to build a loyalty base among your colleagues, supervisors, and executives. Visit the new AAUW chapter’s Facebook page.
3. SAUDI SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL EXHIBITION
Monday, Mar 14, 4:00-8:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires
Graduate student Khalaf Altemimi and the Saudi Students Club invite all graduate students to experience Saudi culture and learn about Saudi students’ projects in various disciplines. Enjoy the best traditional foods free of charge and have your name hand-written in Arabic letters or have your picture taken wearing Saudi clothes (Thoub or Abayah), so bring your cameras. Henna tattoos for ladies will also be available. Please direct any question to Khalaf.
4. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS FOR NON-STAT MAJORS: BAYESIAN METHODS FOR REGRESSION IN R
Monday and Tuesday, Mar 14-15, 4:00-6:00pm, 3080 TORG
This course will cover some basic concepts and vocabulary in Bayesian statistics such as likelihood, prior and posterior distributions, and how they relate to Bayes’ Rule. R statistical software will be used to discuss how parameter estimation and inference changes in a Bayesian paradigm versus in a classical paradigm, with a particular focus on applications using regression. The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See LISA for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Refreshments are provided at the end of each short course.
5. ETHICAL DILEMMAS – DROP EVERYTHING AND SIGN UP NOW!
Wednesday, Mar 16, 3:00-4:30pm in the GLC Room F
Join a lively discussion about ethical dilemmas within and outside academe: test your sense of ethics, communication and critical thinking skills: you can participate as a team and compete in the Ethics Bowl, or as an audience member via Google Moderator. Bring your friends, bring a laptop or other mobile device, and discuss and resolve case-study-based ethical dilemmas with fellow students and faculty. You may sign up as a team of 3-4, as an individual and be assigned to a team, or as an audience member. Teams may include current VT students, faculty or staff, but team leaders must be graduate students. Register by Monday, Mar 14, 5:00pm.
6. PANEL DISCUSSION WITH KEMBA SMITH PRADIA
Wednesday, Mar 16, 6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
In 1994, Kemba Smith Pradia, then a college student, was sentenced to 24.5 years in federal prison for drug possession. She regained her freedom after former President Bill Clinton granted her clemency in December 2000 after serving 6 1/2 years in prison. Kemba’s case drew support from across the nation and the world in a crusade to reverse a disturbing trend in the rise of lengthy sentences for first-time, non-violent drug offenders. Kemba will share her story and how she continues her advocacy efforts. For more information about this event please contact Jody Thompson.
7. GSA MONTHLY DELEGATE MEETING & MORE ELECTIONS
Thursday, Mar 17, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Are you interested to know what the GSA is up to? What events are occurring and what legislation is being pushed? Then please consider attending the next delegate meeting. This meeting is mandatory for all GSA delegates, but all grad students are welcome. The GSA is still recruiting a few more executive board members for next year. Whether you are happy with how GSA is running, or not happy at all, it’s your chance to make a difference and do it better. Consider running to help make some changes! The GSA cannot continue to do the great things it does without support from graduate students like you. If you have any questions please email. Start your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with the GSA!
8. PERSIAN NEW YEAR: "NOWRUZ"
Saturday, Mar 19, 7:00-11:00 pm.
Graduate students of the Iranian Society at VT invite you to the Nowruz Celebration, marking the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in Persian calendar, which has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. This year they are hosting a traditional Persian story-telling “Naqali” by Iran’s first woman storyteller “Gordafarid”, as well as Persian music and buffet dinner at Custom Catering Center. Tickets and more information>>
9. INDIAN FESTIVAL: HOLI
Sunday, Mar 20, 11:30am-3:00pm, at the Duckpond
Graduate students of the Indian Student Association, the Council of Intl Student organization and SIA invite you to this celebration of the colorful Indian festival Holi. Indian snacks and music included! Be there for one of the most fun and frolic-filled events of the Spring Semester – Rang Barse! Visit ISA for more details.
10. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK (GEW) SNEAK PEAK
Take and early look at what programs and opportunities Graduate Education Week will bring to you this year. There is still time to contribute to the photo, art and writing contest, register for grad Olympics, or mark your calendar for some of the other events.
11. GRAD ED WEEK 2011: REGISTER NOW FOR GRAD OLYMPICS
Put your wit, physical skills and team spirit to the test and win great prizes in a light-hearted competition among graduate student teams. Up to ten teams of 4-6 members may compete. No prior experience necessary, but resourcefulness and knowledge of the GLC are a plus. All materials are provided. All teams must pre-register and wait for confirmation that their registration was accepted. To pre-register, fill out this survey. You will be notified if your registration is accepted. Teams will receive extra points for a creative team name, flag design and team cheer.
12. GSA 27TH ANNUAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM: (Re)Search: WHY IT MATTERS!
- If you are interested in volunteering for the day of the event (i.e., greeter, registration, moderator), please contact Kate Fiedler
- Abstract acceptance notices are delivered on Monday, Mar 14, and judges will receive the pdf on Mar 16.
- The GSA still needs faculty judges for the day of the event (to help distribute the $12,000 in award money to winners!) Please share this link with faculty members
- Poster, oral, and video presentations will take place from 9am-4pm in the GLC.
- Keynote Speaker, Dr. Carol Yoon, 7-8pm in the GLC Auditorium;
- Awards Ceremony from 8-9:30, presenters, faculty judges and invited guests.
- Visit the symposium website for details. Contact Samantha Downey with any questions.
13. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR EXEMPLARY INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH & ESSAY AWARDS
The newly formed interdisciplinary research honor society, Iota Delta Rho (IDR), is giving out four awards: two awards for Exemplary Interdisciplinary Research, and two awards for Exemplary Interdisciplinary Research Essay of the Year, acknowledging the most exemplary interdisciplinary research (IDR) taking place at Virginia Tech in the 2010-11 academic year, as well as recognizing the best academic essay that details the process of interdisciplinary research (IDR) that IDR seeks to promote at Virginia Tech. One member and one non-member of the IDR Honor Society will be chosen for each award. Each award winner will receive a certificate and $250. All applications should be emailed to Alireza Salmanzadeh by Monday, Mar 28. More information>>.
14. IDR HONOR SOCIETY CALLS FOR COMMUNICATION NETWORK PARTICIPANTS – 3rd posting
As part of its launch, the Interdisciplinary Research (IDR) Honor Society intends to create a forum for open discussion of interdisciplinary issues. In conjunction with this forum, they hope to establish a list of contacts on their website, which will serve as nodes of communication to facilitate interdisciplinary contact within the university. Students interested in participating will be a source of contact for others by either responding to questions directly or providing further direction to other resources. Please contact Risa Pesapane with your contact information such as email, office location, area of expertise/department, and work phone (optional) if you are interested in being listed as part of the communication network. All disciplines are encouraged to apply!
15. INTERVIEWERS SOUGHT TO GIVE MOCK INTERVIEWS
Volunteers are sought to give mock interviews to undergraduate students in the McNair Scholars Program. Interviewers should be graduate students and/or faculty members within in one of the following disciplines: clinical psychology; aerospace & ocean engineering; human development; human nutrition, foods & exercise; economics; and biology. The mock interviews will take place on Mar 18 and 25 in Femoyer Hall, and each interview will last approximately one hour. Volunteers will conduct the interview and provide constructive feedback to the McNair Scholar. Volunteer interviewers need only interview one scholar. If interested or need additional information, please contact Evan Glien, graduate assistant, or Cheryl Gittens, director of McNair Scholars Program.
16. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating the effects of job rotation on muscle fatigue and performance. The study consists of 6 separate experimental sessions (each lasting 2 hours) and one screening session. Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $10 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: female, age 18-25, low body fat, right handed, 20/20 vision (corrected okay), no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders, and exercise 2-3 times per week (including upper body weight lifting). If interested, please contact Leanna Horton.
17. BEREAVEMENT GROUP AT THE FAMILY THERAPY CENTER
If you or someone you know is… grieving the loss of a loved one; feeling alone or sad; feeling angry or guilty or empty; searching for someone who "gets it"; considering sharing your story of loss with others, then you may find value in what the Family Therapy Center has to offer: the Family Therapy Center at VT offers an opportunity for you to gather with people who have lost a loved one and are in need of additional support. For group details, please contact Annie Bao at (540) 231-7261 ext. 2.
18. LEARN TURKISH AT VT
Experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes at Cranwell International Center, brought to you by the Intercultural Understanding Club. No experience necessary; courses offered from elementary to advanced levels. For the spring program: An hour class per week and four classes in a month. For registration and questions contact graduate student Haktan Suren. Third class: 3/10, 6:00pm.
19. UPCOMING EVENTS:
REAL COFFEE IN THE VIRTUAL GLC
Monday, Mar 21, 1:30-3:00pm GLC Multipurpose Room
Take your avatar for a walk around the newly created virtual GLC, and get a cup of real coffee as you are playing. This free demo is brought to you by Learning Technology’s Innovation Space, a division of Information Technology.
GET PLUGGED IN!
Monday, Mar 21, 1:30-3:00pm GLC Multipurpose Room
Get plugged into the many organizations and services on campus that are available to help you successfully get through graduate school. Free pizza and raffle prizes! Sponsored by the GLC Resident Fellows.
CAREER BOOSTER SPECIALS
Tuesday, Mar 22, 12:00-5:00pm, Smith Career Center
Career Services invites to its GEW offerings:
- 12:00-3:00pm, walk-in career advising
- 2:00-3:00pm, academic and industry/government job search sessions with experienced panelists
- 3:00-5:00pm, employer-student networking
REMOVING THE MYSTERY OF THE ETD REVIEW
Tuesday, Mar 22, 7:00pm, GLC Room F
Learn what happens to your ETD after you submit it to the Graduate School: what items will be checked, timeline of the submission process, corrections, and final approval.
GRAD MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LYRIC: BLUE VALENTINE
Tuesday, Mar 22, 7:00 and 9:15pm, The Lyric
Enjoy a night at the movies, compliments of the Graduate School and The Lyric Theater, in celebration of Graduate Education Week. Pick up your free ticket at the GLC Information Desk or in 110 GLC, while supplies last.
FOR MORE GEW EVENTS VISIT THE GEW WEBSITE!
GSA HEALTH FORUM
Thursday, Mar 31, 6:00pm, Location TBA
The GSA health care committee is hosting this health forum, featuring representatives from Schiffert Health Center and Cook Counseling Center as guest speakers. To provide an informative and engaging forum, all interested graduate students are asked to complete a brief survey to list your questions, concerns, and suggestions regarding health services at VT, and express your intent to attend. The focus of this forum will be on the services provided at Schiffert Health Center, and general health concerns at the university. Food and refreshments will be provided. Contact GSA health care committee co-Chair Michael Sage with any questions.
CPR TRAINING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Friday, April 8, 8:30am-12:00pm, GLC Room G
You never know when a friend, professor, or colleague will be in need of CPR. Make sure you know the proper steps. Tony Mills from Environmental Health and Safety will lead this training for graduate students. The training fee of $20 includes a quick reference manual, full training manual with DVD, barrier mask and a two year certification from the National Safety Council. Learn more and sign-up here. Sponsored by the GLC Resident Fellows.
REGISTER NOW FOR CANCER RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Friday, Apr 29, 9:00am-5:00pm
The Cancer Research Symposium serves as the first interdisciplinary cancer symposium at VT, providing an opportunity for faculty and graduate students to showcase their research. Invited speakers include leaders in the field of cancer research. There will be a poster session (lunch provided), which is open to graduate students involved in cancer research. The symposium will also include a survivors and advocates panel to allow the researchers to see the impact of their work. If interested, please register by March 15 (registration is free).